Western News 15 April 2022 by Nepean News

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Friday, 15 April 2022

ISSUE 159

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LEST WE FORGET

Happy Easter

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

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Locals excel at NSW Allied Health Awards

SLHD COVID-19 vaccination lead Megan Byrne and WSLHD physiotherapist Cameron Edwards are two of 24 finalists to be nominated for the NSW Excellence in Allied Health Awards. This is the first year NSW Excellence in Allied Health Awards have been hosted with 24 finalists across the six categories: • Allied Health Professional of the Year • Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year • Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year • Allied Health Assistant or Technician of the Year • Allied Health Educator or Researcher of the Year • Allied Health Leader of the Year. Megan is a finalist for the Allied Health Leader of the Year award, an award that highlights an outstanding Allied Health Leader; who continually exhibit excellence in leadership, focusing on values of teamwork, innovation, service, quality, compassion and integrity. Cameron is a finalist for the Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year Award for demonstrating exceptional commitment, professionalism and compassionate care, and for advocating for culturally appropriate health care of Aboriginal

Megan Byrne

Cameron Edwards

peoples and communities. The Excellence in Allied Health Awards aim to promote and recognise the high-quality work of allied health professionals, and their support staff within NSW Health. About our WSLHD finalists: Megan Byrne Coined a “champion of Qudos”, Megan was responsible for the flow of people through the Vaccination Centre. “My role is oversight of the day-today operations, ensuring a constant and safe flow of vaccine recipients, and that it’s happening in an efficient way,” Megan explains. “We have over 1,200 staff on site, so I’m responsible for overall coordination of those staff and ensuring that translates into the best experience for our recipients that

come through the centre. “I’ve really enjoyed the challenge. Every day is so different, and I’m working with an amazing team.” In 2021, Megan stepped away from her role as head of dietetics at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospital to run the Blacktown Hospital Vaccination Clinic. She said she appreciates the “wealth of experience” brought to the operation by the staff who ran the Westmead Hospital vaccination hub – the first clinic in western Sydney that has since relocated to Qudos Bank Arena. She also values the partnerships with organisations including Qantas, PwC Australia, NSW Police, NSW Transport, Baxter Healthcare and Western Sydney University. “I think I’ve been very fortunate

to play a part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Megan said. Cameron Edwards In 2021, physiotherapist Cameron underwent training to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. “As an Aboriginal health care worker, I feel a sense of responsibility to be a leader in my community,” said Cameron. “When Allied Health professionals in NSW were recently granted the opportunity to train in administering COVID-19 vaccinations, I jumped at the opportunity. “Nurses and doctors have been working day-in and day-out, trying to vaccinate as many eligible community members as possible and I want to help them. I want people of all backgrounds to have someone to look up to and someone they can come to if they have questions.” Cameron is an advocate for keeping the community safe. “Getting vaccinated is about more than yourself; you need to think of the bigger picture and think of the ones you love the most,” said Cameron. “I am vaccinated and now I can vaccinate!” You can read more about the nominated finalists by visiting the NSW Health website. Winners will be announced on Thursday, 28 April 2022.

New children’s ward officially opens at Blacktown Hospital

estern Sydney families can now access emergency and specialised children’s health services closer to home at Blacktown Hospital’s new paediatric ward opened as part of a $700 million expansion of Blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals. Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited Blacktown Hospital to open the new 12-bed paediatric ward, which also includes two negative pressure rooms to manage patients in isolation with respiratory illnesses including COVID-19. Mr Hazzard said the new paediatric ward is equipped to manage an extensive range of paediatric conditions for babies through to 16-year-olds, from gastroenteritis, asthma, bronchiolitis, cellulitis and croup to surgical fractures and general paediatric surgery. “This project has been more than 10 years in the making and the NSW Government has transformed this ambition into reality through our $700 million-plus expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals,” Mr Hazzard said. “The new paediatric ward has been designed with input from staff and patients’ families, creating a warm and welcoming environment with indoor and outdoor play areas and plenty of toys and activities to help children

Three-year-old Neeti Kulkarni officially opens Blacktown Hospital’s new paediatric ward.

through their treatment and recovery.” The new paediatric ward features: • Inpatient services including emergency, medical and surgical bed access; • Day stay procedural services, for example, transfusions and drug therapies; • Ambulatory and community outreach services; • Specialist clinics including skin prick testing, food challenge and allergy clinics; • Commissioned art throughout the ward to help make children feel welcome;

• Leisure and play spaces, including an outdoor play area, with appropriate toys, books and activities for children and adolescents; • A break out space for parents. Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the new 12-bed ward had been carefully designed with local input to provide the best care possible for children and their families in Western Sydney communities. “The bright and colourful artwork will help put children at ease during what can be a stressful time and features familiar landmarks from the local area that will help

them feel at home,” Mr Conolly said. “Having already accepted its first patients last month, the ward will work in unison with existing paediatric services at Mount Druitt Hospital to enhance and expand paediatric care across the Blacktown Local Government Area and Western Sydney.” Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor said the specialised children’s health services provided at Blacktown Hospital’s new paediatric ward were a huge boost for families in Western Sydney. “Having these accessible, top quality medical services for children in the heart of Western Sydney will make a big difference to local families trying to juggle day-to-day lives with the challenges of looking after unwell children,” Mr Taylor said. “Children and young families are the heart of our community and having these specialised health services closer to home will assist health outcomes locally both now and into the future.” In addition to the new paediatric ward, the completed $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Project also includes a new emergency department, women’s and newborn health services, intensive care unit, operating theatres, and psychiatric emergency care service.

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ustralian Red Cross Lifeblood urgently needs people with O negative blood to donate between now and Easter Monday, as consecutive long weekends threaten supplies. Lifeblood’s reserves of the emergency blood type – needed by accident and trauma patients – have dropped to their lowest point in 12 months. For the first time nearly 40 donor centres will open across Australia on Good Friday to boost supplies. “The need for blood is often unplanned and urgent, and many of our donors take a well-deserved break over long weekends,” said Cath Stone, Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Services. “This Easter is particularly difficult with back-to-back long weekends on both Easter and Anzac Day,” “We urgently need people to book a donation between now and ANZAC Day.” A recent study by Lifeblood found that O negative blood type makes up 15% of hospital orders across Australia, but fewer than 7% of the population. “This rare blood type is in high demand because it can be given in emergency situations where a

patient’s blood group is unknown,” Ms Stone said. “It’s often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used for trauma patients who can require huge quantities in a short amount of time,” “If you don’t know your blood type, donating is an excellent way to find out – with every blood type needed every day to help save lives.” As well as accident and emergency patients, blood will be needed by

Counselling and Mediation Trauma informed counselling Adolescent mental health support Parenting support Careers counselling Grief and Bereavement Online therapy for personal convenience via Zoom or FaceTime

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thousands of people this Easter weekend, including trauma and emergency patients, mums delivering babies, and people undergoing cancer treatment. “A single blood donation can mean a lifetime for the person receiving it, and all it costs a donor is an hour of their time,” Ms Stone said. To book a donation this Easter, visit lifeblood.com.au, download the free Donate Blood app or call 13 14 95.

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

Urgent call for O Negative blood as stocks plummet

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

Western News Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the Editor’s Desk By KeRRIE DAVIES

he last couple of years has been an extremely difficult time for many people, and one group in particular I’d like to focus on ahead of ANZAC Day is our war veterans. None of us could have foreseen back on June 26 last year when then Premier Gladys Berejiklian was announcing we were going into lockdown, that we’d still be in it four months later in September and still restricted in October. Staying at home for so many weeks meant an extended period of time being distanced from family and friends and our usual social networks and routines. Isolation can be a catastrophic time for our war veterans, many of whom suffer from PTSD, depression and anxiety. A major part of their wellbeing is socialising with like-minded friends, who are often those who have been through similar experiences. Their social groups designed for veterans are a lifeline for many. And if the pandemic and lockdown situation wasn’t already an overflowing cup, the vision we now see daily coming from the situation in Ukraine can be a trigger for those who have served our country in any theatre of war. Its a pile on of distressing information and the physical and mental health of our veterans is extremely important. Our local sub-branches were reaching out to our local veterans during lockdown to let them know that they were still there if needed. Veterans and their families were able to connect with them via social media or by phone. After two years of restrictions, the public can finally unite this ANZAC Day and support our local veterans by attending Dawn Service to show our respects. Its an early start. You will need to set your alarm and allow time to find parking, but once there I guarantee it will be a service you’ll be glad you attended. It is a day one feels full to the brim with pride to be Australian. Lest We Forget.

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road safety upgrade is on the way for Hambledon Public School students with the upcoming installation of new signage for the extension of school zone operating hours. Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly said the changes were being made in response to adjustments to school operation hours as well as to an increase in population and traffic in this growing area of Sydney. “Sydney’s north-west is booming and Quakers Hill is part of this growth,” Mr Conolly said. “Transport for NSW is upgrading the school zone infrastructure throughout this area, covering five streets and four intersections. “The existing 2.30pm to 4pm school zone time will be changed to

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

Road safety upgrade for Hambledon Public School

2pm to 4pm while the morning school zone times from 8am to 9.30am will remain in place. The work will take place across three weekday shifts between Monday 11 April and Wednesday 27 April from 7am to 5pm. There will be temporary traffic changes to make sure the work zone is safe with lane closures in place that may affect travel times. Motorists are advised to keep to speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs. The work will be completed before the start of Term 2 to reduce impact on the community. For information call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.

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anzac TRIBUTE Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

Landing on Gallipoli

ustralia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914, and both Prime Minister Joseph Cook and Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher, who were in the midst of an election campaign, pledged full support for Britain. The outbreak of war was greeted in Australia, as in many other places, with great enthusiasm. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 9 November 1914 the Royal Australian Navy made a major contribution when HMAS Sydney destroyed the German raider SMS Emden. On 25 April 1915 members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This began a campaign that ended with an evacuation of allied troops beginning in December 1915.

The next year Australian forces fought campaigns on the Western Front and in the Middle East. Throughout 1916 and 1917 losses on the Western Front were heavy and gains were small. In 1918 the Australians reached the peak of their fighting performance in the battle of Hamel on 4 July. From 8 August they then took part in a series of decisive advances until they were relieved in early October. Germany surrendered on 11 November. The Middle East campaign began in 1916 with Australian troops taking part in the defence of the Suez Canal and the allied re-conquest of the Sinai Desert. In the following year Australian and other allied troops advanced into Palestine and captured Gaza and Jerusalem; by 1918 they had occupied Lebanon and Syria and on 30 October 1918 Turkey sued for peace. For Australia, the First World War remains the costliest conflict in terms of deaths and casualties. From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.

anzac TRIBUTE The fall of Singapore

his year St. Marys RSL subbranch will commemorate traditional ANZAC Day dawn service with focus on the 80th anniversary of the downfall of Singapore, and the effects of that capitulation on Australia. Resource poor Japan, determined that the British, French and Dutch Colonial Governments were under severe pressure from its Axis partner Germany, saw a “golden opportunity” to invade and seize the resources of the Far East colonies of those countries. In December 1941, Japanese troops, battle hardened from their war in China, invaded the Malay Peninsula. They relentlessly and ruthlessly pushed inexperienced Allied forces down the peninsula until all Allied ground forces were on Singapore Island where British High Command had determined that all Allied air and naval forces were withdrawn to prevent capture or destruction. The High Command never expected attack by land down the peninsula, and had

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

By Steve Tolsher, a member of St Marys RSL sub-Branch

set their defences against assumed attack via sea. The Battle of Singapore, in which the Australians were first to engage the enemy, was a week long battle, culminating in the surrender of Allied forces on February 15th 1942. One hundred thousand Allies, which included fifteen thousand Australians of the 8th Division AIF, were now prisoners of war. Australian and Allied prisoners suffered for 3 years as undernourished forced labour on such infamous events as the Burma Railway, Sandakan, Changi, Bangka Island Massacre of nurses and other atrocities. Of the fifteen thousand Australians taken prisoner, seven thousand did not survive the war due to starvation, disease, neglect, torture and outright murder. Australian Prime Minister, John Curtin, said that the Fall of Singapore was “Australia’s Dunkirk”. It also aroused fears of Australia being invaded. The fall was the catalyst for Australia’s loosening of the bonds of the British Empire, and Prime Minister Curtin’s “look to America” call as our future ally and protector.

ANZAC Day 2022

Lest We Forget

We remember and honour those brave men and women who have served our country proudly in the past and continue to do the same today.

Stephen Bali MP Member for Blacktown Phone: 9671 5222 Shop 3063, Westpoint Shopping Centre, Blacktown Email: blacktown@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Stephen Bali MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements. April 2022.

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

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It’s that time of the year! Free flu vaccine for those at higher risk

SW Health is urging higher risk individuals including pregnant women, children aged under five years, seniors and Aboriginal people to book in now for a free flu shot. With international borders reopening, increased social mixing and lower exposure to influenza over the past two years, people will be more vulnerable to the virus. Executive Director, Health Protection NSW, Dr Richard Broome said the vaccine rollout commenced last month, as Federal Government supplies became available. “Orders have already been distributed to many aged cared facilities, Aboriginal Medical Services and pharmacies, and will continue over the coming weeks,” Dr Broome said.

Everyone six months and “older is recommended to get

a flu jab but particularly those high risk groups, as the virus is extremely contagious and potentially deadly.

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“If you live in an aged or disability care facility, are aged over 65 or are immunocompromised, now is the time to book in. We also recommend a COVID-19 winter booster, as both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.” People aged 65 and over are recommended to have the enhanced quadrivalent vaccine (Fluad® Quad) which stimulates a greater immune response

in this age group who are known to have a weaker response to vaccination. For the first time this year, free flu vaccine for those aged 65 years and over will also be available from pharmacies. When people book, they should ask their pharmacist or GP about the right vaccine for them and importantly, that the service has it in stock. Providers can order further doses of vaccine throughout the season. Flu vaccine is free for children aged six months to under five years; Aboriginal people; pregnant women; people aged 65 years and over; and others at higher risk of severe flu illness such as those with diabetes, serious heart, lung, kidney or liver

disease, immunosuppression and obesity. While the flu vaccine is free for those at higher risk of severe influenza, some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your GP or pharmacist if this applies to you. Everyone is urged to take simple precautions to protect each other, such as: • Stay at home if you are sick and avoid close contact with other people to protect yourself and the community from flu and COVID-19. • Sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands. • Wash your hands thoroughly and often. For further information visit the NSW Health website.

Phasing out single-use plastics in NSW About the ban On 16 November 2021, the NSW Government passed the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021. This legislation delivers on the government’s commitment to ban certain problematic plastics, such as single-use plastics and address the problem of plastic waste. Input from over 16,000 people helped develop this legislation and the related NSW Plastics Action Plan. Support for action on plastic waste was widespread with 98% supporting a phase out of single-use plastics. This legislation provides a comprehensive framework that will help transition NSW towards a circular economy where materials and resources are valued and kept in the productive economy while creating jobs and protecting the environment and the community. From 1 June 2022 the following will be banned: The supply of lightweight plastic bags A lightweight plastic bag is one with handles that is 35 microns or less in thickness at any part of the bag. Lightweight bags made from biodegradable, compostable, or bio-plastics will also be banned, including those made from Australian certified compostable plastic. The ban does not apply to: • barrier bags such as bin liners, human or animal waste bags • produce bags and deli bags • bags used to contain medical items (excluding bags provided by a retailer to a consumer used to transport medical items from the retailer). From 1 November 2022 the following will be banned: Single-use plastics straws, stirrers and cutlery The ban applies to single-use plastic straws*,

stirrers and swizzle sticks, and cutlery, including forks, spoons, knives, sporks, splayds, chopsticks, and food picks. The ban applies even if these items are made from biodegradable, compostable, or bio-plastics. This included those made from Australian certified compostable plastic. The ban does not apply to: • serving utensils such as salad servers or tongs • items that are an integrated part of the packaging used to seal or contain food or beverages, or are included within or attached to that packaging, through an automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box). *Exemptions will apply in certain settings for people with a disability or medical need so they can continue using straws. The detail of the exemption will be developed in consultation with the disability sector and other impacted stakeholders. Single-use plastic bowls and plates The ban applies even if these items are made from biodegradable, compostable, or bio-plastics. This includes those made from Australian certified compostable plastic. The ban does not apply to: single-use plastic bowls designed or intended to have a spill-proof lid, such as those used for a takeaway soup. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) food service items The ban applies to EPS takeaway food service items, such as clamshells, cups, plates and bowls. The ban does not apply to EPS: • meat or produce trays • packaging, including consumer and businessto-business packaging and transport containers • food service items that are an integrated part

of the packaging used to seal or contain food or beverages, or are included within or attached to that packaging, through an automated process (such as an EPS noodle cup). Single-use plastic cotton buds and microbeads in certain personal care products The ban applies to single-use plastic cotton buds and rinse-off personal care products containing plastic microbeads, such as face and body cleansers, exfoliants and masks, shampoo, conditioner and hair dyes, and toothpaste. If you are concerned about microbeads in products, look for the following commonly used ingredients: • polyethylene (PE) • polypropylene (PP) • polyethylene terephthalate (PET) • polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) • nylon (PA). Who does the ban apply to? A person must not supply a prohibited item in NSW while carrying on a business. This includes supplying the item while: • carrying on an activity for commercial purposes. For example: - retail businesses like a restaurant, cafe, bar, takeaway food shop, party supply store, discount store, supermarket, market stall, online store, and packaging supplier and distributor, and any other retailer that provides these items to consumers. - a manufacturer, supplier, distributor or wholesaler of a prohibited item • carrying on an activity for charitable, sporting, education or community purposes. For example, a community group, not-for-profit organisation or charity, including those that use a banned item as part of a service, for daily activities or during fundraising events.

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lacktown Arts will step back in time to the 1980s and 90s with its latest cuttingedge exhibition Talking Posters: Garage Graphix 1981–1998, at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre. The exhibition, which will launch next month, presents a selection of screen-printed artworks, textiles and calendars, alongside original equipment and materials from the renowned ‘Garage’ in Mt Druitt, a community-based art workshop. For almost two decades, Garage Graphix led the field in community art making, and screen printing in particular, and produced hundreds of socially and politically-charged posters for the Western Sydney community. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the exhibition provided a culturally significant snapshot in time of grassroots art making in Blacktown City. “Garage Graphix was a leader in community arts practice, based right here in Blacktown City, and its legacy lives on today,” Mayor Bleasdale. “The Garage gave rise to scores of important posters, which spoke to the stories and concerns of its people and were crucial in shaping the identity of the Western Sydney community. “Blacktown City Council and Blacktown Arts are delighted to be able to share a selection of these

Garage Graphix: Making Art in Mt Druitt, screenprint on paper. © the artists, is one of the featured artworks in the exhibition at Blacktown Arts.

incredible works with the public for the first time since the Garage closed its doors in 1998.” The exhibition is curated by Nadia Odlum, a Western Sydney artist who was born close to the Garage during its operating years. From an archive of more than four hundred prints, Nadia has drawn out a selection that highlights the pivotal

role of the Garage as a place of artistic innovation and community activism in the pre-digital era. Julie Ewington is one of Australia’s leading and most respected senior curators, and mentored young guest curator, Nadia, through the curatorial process. “In the 1980s Garage Graphix put Mount Druitt on the Australian cultural

map,” Julie said. “It was an astonishing explosion of energies, ideas and images, admired around the country for the way the ‘Garage’ tackled urgent social and political issues. “Forty years later, Garage Graphix posters are still fresh, powerful, and relevant.” Garage Graphix also led in the development of an Aboriginal arts team, a community graphic design service, arts projects, artist residencies, innovative partnerships and the development of Aboriginal arts and mentorships. An artist-led print studio will run throughout the exhibition, giving access to visitors to create their own screenprint. The exhibition will tour to Wagga Regional Art Gallery from June – August and then to Blacktown Libraries later in the year. Talking Posters: Garage Graphix, 1981–1998 Venue The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown Dates & Times 8 April – 7 May, 2022. 10am – 5pm, Tuesdays – Saturdays. Free For more details, visit: blacktownarts.com.au

Griefline ready to answer calls in NSW with six free counselling sessions to enhance bereavement care

SW residents struggling to cope with the death of a loved one can access six free counselling sessions from Griefline, thanks to a $1 million investment from the NSW Government. Griefline is an Australian nonprofit organisation for grief and loss, offering counselling, support resources and online forums. The organisation has been serving the community for more than thirty years, helping people find courage through grief and discover hope and healing after loss. The Griefline Integrating Grief Program is aimed at helping individuals struggling with grief. It helps them come to terms with their loss, restores a sense of purpose to their life and supports them to participate in daily activities.

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There’s no doubt that the death of someone close to us can be deeply upsetting and painful. It can be quite difficult to try to make sense of the world without our loved one in it, Mrs Taylor said.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the telephone-based counselling will be invaluable for those people struggling to cope with everyday life and social activities as a result of grief and bereavement. “For some people, grief is so profound and persistent that daily life feels too hard. “To those people I say – you don’t have to face the anger, sadness, numbness or guilt alone. There are services and support available to help you.’”

Griefline is a registered charity which has been helping people to manage grief for more than three decades. With the NSW Government’s support, individuals over 18 years of age living in NSW and experiencing profound levels of grief can request six free counselling sessions via Griefline’s online referral process. General Practitioners and other professionals can make a referral on a person’s behalf, with consent. Griefline Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kate Cahill said that while grief

is the normal reaction to bereavement, the death of a significant person can be challenging. “Our team is committed to helping people resolve the complications in their grief process and learn how to integrate the loss into their life,” Mrs Cahill said. “We’re here to support you in your grief and help you explore and manage your distress.” To find out more about Griefline’s Integrating Grief Program, please visit the Griefline website or call (03) 9087 2312 between 9am to 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday. The $1 million investment is part of the $56 million ‘palliative care boost’ in the 2020-21 budget and part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to providing people with high-quality end-of-life and palliative care, including appropriate bereavement support. If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services: • Lifeline 13 11 14 • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 • NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

Cutting-edge exhibition celebrates Garage Graphix

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Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

Gallipoli the landing

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

allipoli the Landing - By a Man of the Tenth. “Come on lads, have a good hot supper, there’s business doing.” So spoke No. 10 Platoon Sergeant of the 10th Australian Battalion to his men lying about in all sorts of odd corners aboard the battleship Prince of Wales in the first hour of the morning of April 25th, 1915. The ship, or her company had provided a hot stew of bully beef and the lads set to and took what proved alas to many, their last real meal together. They laugh and joke as though picnicking then a voice calls “Fall In!” ringing down the ladderway from the deck above. The boys swing on their heavy equipment, grasp their rifles and silently make their way on deck and stand in grim black masses. All lights are out and only harsh low commands break the silence. “This way, and almost blindly we grope our way to the ladder leading to the huge barge below that is already half full of silent grim men who seem to realise that at last after eight months of hard solid training in Australia, Egypt and Lemnos Island they are now to be called upon to carry out the object of it all. “Full up sir” whispers the midshipman in the barge. “Cast off the drift astern” says the ship’s officer in charge of the embarkation. Slowly we drift astern until the boat stops with a jerk and twang goes the hawser that couples the boats and barges together. Silently the boats are filled with men and silently drop astern of the big ship until all being filled, the order is given to the small steamboats and away we go racing and bounding dipping and rolling, now in a straight line, now in a half circle on through the night. The moon has just about sunk below the horizon and looking back we can see the battleships coming on slowly in our rear ready to cover our attack. All at once our pinnace gives a great start forward and away we go for land just discernible one hundred yards away on our left. Then crack-crack! Ping-ping! Zip-zip! Trenches full of rifles on the shore and surrounding hills open on us and machine-guns hidden in gullies and redoubts increase the murderous hail. Oars are splintered, boats are perforated. A sharp moan, a low gurgling cry tells of a comrade hit. Boats grounded in four or five feet of water owing to the human weight contained in them. We scramble out, struggle to the shore and rushing across the beach take cover under a low sandbank. “Here take off my pack and I’ll take off yours.” We help one another to lift the heavy water-soaked packs off”. “Hurry up, there” says our sergeant. “Fix bayonets,” Click! and the bayonets are fixed. “Forward!” and away we scramble up the hills at our front. Up, up we go, stumbling in holes and ruts and with a ringing cheer we charge the steep hill, pulling ourselves up by roots and branches of trees and at times driving our bayonets into the ground and pushing ourselves up to a foothold, until, topping the hill we found the enemy had made themselves very scarce. What had caused them to fly from a position from where they could have driven us back into the sea every time?. We instantly fired on a few scattered Turks showing in the distant. Some fell to rise no more, others fell wounded and crawling into the low bushes they sniped our lads as they went past. There were snipers in plenty, cunningly hidden in the hearts of low green shrubs. They accounted for a lot of our boys in the first few days but gradually were rooted out. Over the hill we dashed and down

into what is now called “Shrapnel Gully” and up the other hillside until on reaching the top we found that some of the lads of the 3rd Brigade had commenced to dig in. We skirted round to the plateau at the head of the gully and took up our line of defence. As soon as it was light enough we could see the guns on Gaba Tepe to our right and two batteries away on our left that opened up a murderous hail of shrapnel on our landing parties. The battleships and cruisers were continuously covering the landing of troops, broadsides going into the batteries situated in tunnels in the distant hillside. All this while the seamen from different ships were gallantly rowing and managing the boats carrying the landing parties. Not one man that is left of the original brigade will hear a word against our gallant seamen. England may well be proud of them and all the Australians are proud to call them comrades. The front firing line was now being baptised by its first shrapnel. Machine guns situated on each front, flank and centre opened up on our front line. Thousands of bullets began to fly around and over us, sometimes barely missing. Now and then, one heard a low gurgling moan and turning saw near at hand some chum who only a few seconds before had been laughing and joking now lying gasping with his life blood soaking down into the red clay and sand. “Five rapid rounds at the scrub in front” comes the command of the subaltern. Then an order down the line “Fix bayonets!” Fatal order was it not, perhaps some officer of the enemy had shouted it? (for they say such things were done). Out flash a thousand bayonets scintillating in the sunlight like a thousand mirrors, signalling our position to the batteries away on our left and front. We put in another five rounds rapid fire at the scrub in front. Then over our line, front and rear such a hellish fire of lyddite and shrapnel that one wonders how anyone could live amidst such a hail of death-dealing lead and shell. “Ah, got me! says one lad on my left and he shakes his arms. A bullet has passed through the biceps of his left arm, missed his chest by an inch and passed through the right forearm and finally struck the lad between him and me with a bruising blow on the wrist. The man next to him started to bind up his wounds as he was bleeding freely. All the time shrapnel was hailing down on us. “Oh! comes from directly behind me and looking around I see the poor little Lieutenant of C Company has been badly wounded. From both hips to his ankles blood is oozing through pants and puttees and he painfully drags himself to the rear. I raise him to his feet and at a very slow pace start to help him to shelter, but alas! I have only got him abut fifty yards from the firing line when again we were both peppered by shrapnel and shell. My rifle-butt was broken off to the trigger-guard and I received a smashing blow that laid my cheek on my shoulder. The last I remembered was the poor Lieutenant groaning as we both sank to the ground. When I came too I found myself in “Shrapnel Gully” with an AMC (Australian Medical Corps) man holding me down. I was still clasping my half-rifle. And so, after twelve hours hard fighting I was aboard a troopship again wounded, but I would not have missed it for all the money in the world. Source: The original Anzac Book 1916. We do not glorify war, but we do remember. LEST WE FORGET.

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Western News

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

t doesn’t always have to be a rent vs. buy decision. Rent-vesting is a strategy that lets you do both. And it’s just one of a few alternate pathways to buying your own home. Keen to get on the property ladder but buying the home of your dreams feels out of reach? It’s not always possible to buy the perfect house straightaway, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a homeowner. Home ownership is the classic Aussie dream. But there are pros and cons of buying property as there is with renting. When you rent, you have more flexibility in terms of where you live, and where you invest or save your money. But your rent money will continue to be an expense and won’t contribute to building your equity or long term wealth, as mortgage repayments might. When you buy, you not only gain stability, but generally you’re also growing your wealth in the long term. Basically, it is a forced saving. As the property value increases and you pay down your home loan, you build up equity in your property, which can be used in different ways. But of course, there are several costs to think about - from the upfront deposit and other purchase costs such as stamp duty, to the ongoing mortgage repayments and various other running costs. Taking all this into account, if buying property feels like the right investment strategy for you, here are some alternate paths to home ownership that could help you get your foot in the property market sooner. Rent-vesting You live in an inner city suburb, all your friends are here and work is nearby. But property prices in your current neighbourhood mean owning a home feels elusive. Well, you could become a rent-vestor. Rent-vesting is when you continue to rent where you want to live, but invest in property somewhere else that better fits your budget. There may be lifestyle benefits to remaining a renter where you want to live, and by investing in property at the same time, you are starting to build wealth. In contrast, you will continue to make both rental payments as well as mortgage repayments, so you need to make sure you’re on top of your cash flow. There are some additional costs to think about as well.

As an investor, you will have upfront costs of buying investment property, as well as ongoing maintenance costs, strata fees and council rates. Ideally, your income from the rental property should cover the costs as well as the mortgage payments, so you’re not out of pocket. There are tax implications to becoming an investor and it is important to seek advice from a Tax expert as there could be depreciation tax benefits on your investment property, which can translate into savings. If rent-vesting sounds like a good way to get on the property ladder, speak with Wealthwiz to find out more about investment home loan options. Look beyond the capital cities One of the most significant changes in society since 2020 is remote working which has become the new normal which means you can work from almost anywhere. The ‘tree change’ or ‘sea change’ experience is no longer the exclusive domain of retirees - more and more people are making the shift into regional Australia from big cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Lower house prices, more space, less traffic, relaxed lifestyles and close-knit communities - what’s not to love? Generally, your money can go further when it comes to regional real estate, so you may be able to enter the property market sooner. This shift is life changing, the local infrastructure can be quite different from that of big cities, and you may be further away from friends and family. So you need to do your research and think carefully about whether moving to regional Australia is the right choice for you. Renovate a fixer-upper Instead of waiting until you have the cash deposit for the perfect home, some first home buyers choose older properties that need a bit of fixing up instead. This way, they can buy a property in an area they want to live in, for potentially a lower cost. Whether you’re buying as an investor or an owneroccupier, a renovation can be a great way to update a property and increase its value. But remember, renovations can also be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to be realistic about how much it is going to cost before you buy, and budget accordingly. If you plan smart, you could gradually renovate your way to an as-good-as-new property, and customise it

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into your dream home. Ask mum and dad to help If you’ve been saving up for a deposit but home ownership still feels out of reach, a family security guarantee could help you enter the market sooner. There are a few points to understand before you consider this approach. Ideally, you should have 20 per cent of a property’s value as a deposit, so your loan to value ratio (LVR) is 80 per cent or less. If you don’t have that amount, you could still get a mortgage, but you would need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which obviously means a higher cost for you - potentially making that property purchase unviable. Remember, there are additional upfront costs such as stamp duty to budget for as well. This approach, the family security guarantee* provision means that even if you don’t have enough for a 20 per cent deposit, your parents can act as guarantor for the remaining amount, thereby saving you from paying for LMI. This means your parents being the guarantor would leverage the equity in their own property (or cash savings) as security on the loan. It’s pretty technical and there are some risks to consider, so it’s worth chatting to a legal expert before you consider. There are pros and cons for each party to consider the risk and you can discuss more with a broker. Depending on the guaranteed amount, as your LVR goes down, you could potentially also benefit from lower interest rates and be able to borrow more. But that would be contingent on your financial situation and ability to service the loan. So, whether you’re getting your parents to give you a leg up; opting for a fixer-upper; looking at regional areas; or becoming a rent-vestor, these are four alternate options that can make owning your home that little bit easier. Got a question? Call Alex on 0419 600 177 for advice who can help you navigate the home loan market to purchase a property. Wealthwiz is here to help. * Lender terms and conditions apply. The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional tax advice.

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ACROSS 1 A lack of vitamin C (6) 4 Roomy (8) 10 One of the Little Rascals (9) 11 Relative magnitudes (5) 12 Clocked (5) 13 Started (9) 14 Expanding (7) 16 Parental mother (4) 19 Among (4) 21 Go down (7) 24 Forever (9) 25 Prefix meaning “Hand” (5) 26 Proof of innocence (5) 27 Intermediary (9)

28 An imaginary monster (8) 29 Admiration (6)

down 1 A deliberate act of destruction (8) 2 Rare (8) 3 Promised (5) 5 Placing (7) 6 Fairs (9) 7 Groups of 8 (6) 8 Chides (6) 9 Bewitching (6) 15 Vastness (9) 17 Denigrate (8) 18 A graphic symbol (8)

solution 1/4/22

20 21 22 23 25

Quandary (7) Wood nymphs (6) Spread over (6) Stitching (6) Anagram of “Acres” (5)

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

Rent-vesting and 3 other pathways to home ownership

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

Western News

SPORT

North West Hockey captures 2022 over 34/40 masters title

The winning 34/40 team from NWSHA (Norwest) with their medals. Photo supplied By Noel Rowsell

eams from throughout NSW gathered at the WSU Hockey Fields, Kingswood over the weekend of 8th10th April for the 2022 Men’s Over 34/40 Masters Championships. There were three divisions of the

tournament, with the combined Over 34/40 in Division One, 34B in Division Two and 40B in Division Three. North West Sydney Hockey Association (Norwest) played in Division One, alongside Nepean, North West Sydney Hockey Association (Sydney), Newcastle, Bathurst and Metropolitan South West (MSW).

Action from the Nepean / Sydney game at the 2022 Over 34/40 Masters Championships. Photos by Noel Rowsell

After two solid days of play, Norwest led the qualifiers for the two semi-finals, along with Sydney, Nepean and Newcastle. Norwest defeated Newcastle 7-1 in one semi-final and Sydney defeated Nepean 3-0 in the second semi-final, with both games played at 8:30am on Sunday morning. Norwest and Sydney then met

at 12:15pm in the grand final, with Norwest winning 3-1. Illawarra/South Coast (ISCH) defeated Coffs Coast 2-1 in the 34B grand final and Orange defeated New England 2-1 in the 40B grand final. The next Masters Championships will be the Over 55’s and will be played from 6th-8th May in Goulburn.

Locals compete in Australian Junior Amateur By Noel Rowsell

hree local juniors have just competed in the 2022 Australian Junior Amateur, which was held at The Vines of Reynella from 5th-8th April. Coby Carruthers lives in Jordan Springs and is a member of both Dunheved GC and Concord GC, representing the latter in the Amateur. Kade Webber and Darcy Mackay are both members of Stonecutters Ridge GC. All three youngsters started the tournament well, with Coby shooting a par round of 70, Darcy +2 (72) and Kade +3 (73) in the first round. Coby continued to play well on day two, shooting a +1 score of 71 to move into a share of 4th place on the leaderboard, whilst Kade also moved up the leaderboard with a +2 score of 73. Darcy fell away on Day two, shooting +8 to drop to 42nd place, in danger of missing the 54-hole cut. Coby and Kade both went backwards on Day 3, shooting +7 and +6 respectively, whilst Darcy shot +12 and did miss the cut. The final day saw Kade put together his best round of the tournament, with his +1 round allowing him to jump several spots and grab a Top 20 finish (tied 18th). Conversely, Coby had his worst round of the tournament, dropping down the leaderboard to finish in a tie for 32nd. Reigning champion Jeffrey Guan (The Australian) survived a late scare, notching two birdies in his final three holes to claim a 3-shot back-to-back victory and also earn a spot in the Australian Open.

Kade Webber. File photo by Noel Rowsell

Wanderers and Transport for NSW launch new campaign targeting casual speeding Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club (Wanderers) and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) have launched a new campaign to educate motorists on the role speeding plays in fatalities and serious injuries on NSW roads. The campaign uses Wanderers players Rhys Williams, Thomas Aquilina, and Daniel Margush to help reset drivers’ attitudes on how they view their ‘everyday speeding’ behaviour in order to prompt behaviour change. Low level speeding, where drivers travel no more than 10 kilometres per hour over the speed limit, is a factor in more than half of speed related fatalities

and serious injuries. Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas spoke highly of the new campaign. “Together with Transport for NSW, we are very proud to play a role in changing casual attitudes and behaviours around speeding,” Mr Tsatsimas said. “We encourage our members, fans and the wider Western Sydney community to slow down on our roads.” Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the NSW Government was delighted to support the initiative. “Congratulations to the Wanderers for launching

such an important campaign and bringing awareness to some of the changes needed to help save lives on our roads,” Mrs Ward said. “People often assume it’s someone else behaving dangerously on our roads, but in reality it’s everyone who thinks it’s okay to go a bit over the speed limit, or who chooses not to drive to the conditions. “This campaign shows that road safety is everyone’s responsibility and small changes in attitudes can have big outcomes in crashes. “There is nothing casual about speeding – let’s help each other get home safely.”

Western News

SPORT

By Bob Turner

lacktown City FC Senior Men and Women both got back in the winners circle while the Under 20 men continue to dominate the competition as the only undefeated team after six rounds. The Senior Men had a great start to the 2022 season winning the first two games of the season. The team was then rocked by Covid before Round three and had to postpone their home clash against Marconi. That game was played on Wednesday and Blacktown City were looking to earn the three points against their arch rivals. Game time is 7:45 pm at Blacktown City Sports Centre. Following the Covid outbreak, Blacktown got back on the pitch in Round 4 with an away game to Apia Leichhardt. The current competition leaders, Apia took advantage of a somewhat lethargic Blacktown City for a 1-0 win. The following week in Round 5, Blacktown City were still feeling the Covid effects and went down to Sydney United 2-1 at home. Sydney United were fired up for the game and held on for the win despite a huge Blacktown effort in the second half. It is not often Blacktown City FC suffers three losses in a row and last week against Northbridge Blacktown City were determined to stop the losing trend. They outplayed the sister team of A-League outfit Macarthur for a solid 3-1 win and three competition points. Youngster Alex Robinson was again solid in goal to keep Northbridge to a single goal. The Senior Men are working to pick up another six competition points hosting Marconi on the 13th and then second place Sydney FC on Sunday, the 17th at 3pm. Sydney FC are the only team in the competition yet to lose a game with three wins and two draws. They lead the competition in goals scored and have been dominant in the early rounds. With three games

in seven days Blacktown City FC will have their depth tested. Head of Football, Mark Crittenden, was disappointed with the two early losses but is confident his team is back on track. “The Covid outbreak was a tremendous setback after we displayed two gutsy efforts in the first two rounds of the competition,” said Coach Crittenden. “We were right on track until Covid hit the team and coaching staff, but we showed last week against Northbridge we are building back to our early season form,” he added. “I have been especially pleased with the play of our Under 20 team. They have yet to lose a game and are proudly displaying the depth of talent Blacktown City FC is known for,” said Crittenden. Blacktown City Senior Women had a solid 4-1 win over Inter Lions last Sunday at Blacktown City Sports Centre. Regular goal keeper Kiara Rochaix had an injured wrist that kept her from goal keeping duties but she came on in the second half of the game to score two goals and keep Inter Lions at bay. Blacktown now plays Illawarra Stingrays on Easter Monday in Wollongong.

Blacktown v Sydney United

KICK OFF 3PM SUNDAY 17th april

Western News 15 April 2022 Issue 159

Blacktown City FC back on track

Western News

SPORT

Friday, 15 April 2022

Queensland Raceway hosts Round 2 of ASBK By Noel Rowsell

ueensland R a c e w a y hosted the 2nd round of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Series and was a new track to all 19 competitors who lined up to compete. Friday 3rd March offered more of the wet weather which has dominated (and drowned) the east coast of Australia, resulting in cancellation of the final practice for the young riders. Elijah Andrew (Marayong) qualified in 17th place from the two subsequent practice rounds on Saturday, which would be his starting position for each of the weekend’s 3 races. Race one saw a great start by Elijah improving two places by turn one and following several battles throughout the race, finish in 14th place. Elijah made a poor start in Race two, with riders constantly swapping places in each corner of the track. Going into the last corner on the final lap two riders fell, with Elijah surviving the drama to finish in 13th position.

Elijah Andrew (Marayong) #18 in action at Qld Raceway. Photos supplied

“In the final race for the weekend, Elijah did a monster ‘wheelie’ off the start line, always putting on a show for the crowd,” said his Dad Noel Andrew. With more tight racing in three separate packs, Elijah worked his way forward and started to clear his pack but with the laps running out, he was unable to improve further and finished the race in 14th place.

“This was an encouraging performance over the weekend,” said Noel. “Elijah is looking forward to Round 3 of the Australian Superbike Series (ASBK), to be held at Wakefield Park Raceway in NSW from the 22 - 24th April. The goal is to qualify better and battle out for a top 10 finish. “No rest for the wicked, Elijah backed up his huge race weekend at Queensland Raceway with a track

day at Wakefield Park on Saturday 26th March. With low numbers of riders attending due to the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms, every rider got plenty of track time. The day turned out to be a warm sunny day, with not a drop of rain whilst at the track. This was vital track time and experience at the very track of the upcoming ASBK round.” You can follow Elijah on Instagram and Facebook @ ElijahAndrewRacing